FOR PRESS: P. M. Sunday 8th May. P. M. N6. 16/ 1960
APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN OF NAi2IONAL LIBRARY COUNCIL
Statement by the Acting Prime Minister Hon. J. MoEwen
The Acting Prime Minister, Mr. MoEwen, announced today
that the Government had appointed Dr. A. Grenfell Price, C. M. G.,
of Adelaide, as Chairman of the National Library Council.
In the House last Thursday, Mr. McEwen outlined the
Government's decisions on the National Library. These decisions
included the division of the National Library into two parts
the Parliamentary Library and the National Library. The National
Library would be administered by a Council, appointed on an interim
basis pending passage of the necessary legislation through
Parliament, probably later this year.
Mr. McEwen said: " We are fortunate in being tLe to secure
the services of such an eminent man for this responsible
position. " Dr. Grenfell Price, vrho was a Member of the Commonwealth
Parliament from 1941 to 1943, has had wide experience in the
literary and library fields.
" He is a well known geographer, historian and educationalist,
and was Master of St. Mark's College, University of
Adelaide, from 1924 to 1956.
" In 1936 he was appointed to report on libraries in
South Australia maintained or assisted by the State, and he also
was a member of the Committee under Sir George Paton whichi produced
the report on the National Library on which the Government's
recent decisions were based.
" Dr. Grenfell Price is at present Chairman of the Advisory
Board of the Commonwealth Liteñ' ary Fund, a positionwhich he
has held since 1953. He recently resigned as Secretary of The
Humanities Research Council, a position he had held since its
inception. " He will, I am sure, bring to the responsible position
of Chairman of the National Library Council much aergy and knowledge
and the Government is gratified that he has been able to
accept the appointment."
Dr. Grenfell Price's appointment is for three years.
CANBERRA, 8th May,* 1960.
4p 00* O